The popularity of oversized SUVs is attributable to the proliferation of big-box retailers. How else is a person supposed to carry home a year's supply of toilet paper for a family of five? As symbiotic as the two are, both SUVs and big-box retailers are a matter of contention. SUVs are often frowned upon as polluting, gas-guzzling superfluous vehicles. And although big-box chain stores save consumers money, they are frequently accused of eradicating the small town retailer.

So what happens in the powersports industry when what was once a diminutive mom-and-pop shop flourishes to the point of expanding into the discarded edifice of a defunct big-box retailer? Does the family-owned business become a powersports Godzilla, stomping on smaller dealerships while rampaging its way to more profits?

When Renton Motorcycles (RMC) moved into its 120,000 sq. ft. structure in Renton, Washington, last year, there was uncertainty about how to utilize the cavernous location. The ultimate decision to "support the sport" was not only a righteous one, but also more advantageous when compared to the other choices.

"Our first idea was to put motorcycles in about half and sublease the other portion of the building," recalls co-owner Bob Lanphere Jr. "We had a bowling alley that wanted to come in, we had a basketball deal that wanted to come in, and I thought, 'Other than the rent they're going to be paying, it's not going to boost our business with our customers.'

"So then, through the process of negotiations, we decided not to do that, and instead built a racetrack and restaurant, which helps our motorcycle store in the winter when we're slow," he says.

MXers, Ovals & Eats

The dealership's Wide Open Indoor Sports Arena occupies 50,000 sq. ft. of the RMC building. Actual riding area measures 285 feet long by 135 feet wide by 38 feet high.

"It was designed to promote the sport of motorcycle racing, and to help sell motorcycles in the dealership next door," says arena manager/promoter Mickey Fay.

As a factory rider for American Honda from '79 to '83, Fay won his first flat track national at the Houston Astrodome in '79. He also raced for Honda in the original Superbikers of the early '80s. So Fay himself is a walking motorcycle racing promotion. He's also an obvious choice for designing and switching the track from a motocross layout to a flat track oval every two weeks.

Tokyo, Japan, Oct 5, 2005 - (JCN Newswire) - Honda Motor Co., Ltd. today announced the lineup of vehicles to be displayed at the 39th Tokyo Motor Show (sponsored by the Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association), to be held from Saturday, October 22 to Sunday, November 6, 2005, at Makuhari Messe in Chiba, Japan.

The theme for Honda's automotive exhibition at this year's Motor Show is "feel FINE!" to express our commitment to creating new value and offering customers exciting new automobiles that exceed all expectations and deliver a unique sense of exhilaration. The theme for the company's motorcycle exhibition is 'Dream Wings,' which captures Honda's vision of a motorcycling lifestyle based on a new set of values, and a desire to help people pursue their dreams. Honda' automobile and motorcycle displays will feature intriguing concept vehicles, advanced technologies and environmental initiatives in a manner that is clear and easy to understand.

Passenger Car Display: 23 vehicle types, 25 vehicles

Honda proudly presents "FINE!" automobiles. Honda's automobile display is dedicated to Honda's free thinking, intelligent, advanced technology and exciting new designs. It features concept vehicles full of individuality and fresh ideas; the new Civic and new Civic Hybrid; and a range of other Honda vehicles, all of which express the company's commitment to "FINE TECHNOLOGY" and "FINE TIMES" - superior automobiles that anyone can enjoy driving. In addition, the display will highlight Honda's unique advanced safety technologies and power trains that combine environmental-friendliness with superior driving performance.

The Concept Vehicle Zone will showcase some "FINE!" Honda cars of the future, including concept vehicles like the next-generation, 4-door Sports 4 Concept, designed to make sure everyone in the vehicle shares the exhilaration of the drive; the W.O.W Concept, which offers a more enjoyable, dog-friendly mobile lifestyle; and the FCX Concept, a next-generation premium fuel-cell sedan featuring advanced intelligent technologies, a low-floor, low-center-of-gravity platform and a full-sized cabin.

The Civic Zone will present the all-new eighth generation Civic and new Civic Hybrid, accompanied by a technology display that provides a compelling, close-up look at Honda's newly-developed, next-generation intelligent power trains.

Today, images of motorcycles are practically everywhere--from McDonalds' take-out bags to Hallmark cards. The biker-themed television show "American Chopper" has brought motorcycles to the small screen, and even presidential candidate John Kerry made his entrance onto the stage of "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno" on a motorcycle in November. Motorcycles are, indeed, hot right now, as they ride the wave of 11 years of consecutive growth in sales, according to Ty van Hooydonk, director of product communications for Discover Today's Motorcycling, a nonprofit organization that promotes motorcycling and safety.

As more people get interested in motorcycling there are more people interested in the artwork that portrays it. Realistic art that focuses solely on the bike appeals to people who ride or are involved in the lifestyle or business. Art that reflects the lifestyle or history of motorcycling, however, can have a larger fan base.

Artists who paint motorcycle themes say women buy just as much of their art as men, not only because women's ridership is increasing but also because they are often the ones decorating the home. They also buy the art as gifts for the motorcycling men in their lives.

The 5.7 million motorcycle owners are not who they used to be. According to the Motorcycle Industry Council, in 1998 31 percent held professional or technical jobs, up from 19 percent in 1980. And, 33 percent earned more than $50,000 a year, up from less than 3 percent in 1980.

As a result, enthusiasts are willing to spend more money on motorcycle art. While originals that cost up to $60,000 can be sold easily by top artists in the niche, most clients are interested in a lower price point. "Limited editions and posters are most affordable," said watercolor artist William Perry, who started creating motorcycle art 30 years ago, shortly after he started riding. Most artists sell their limited-edition prints for $125 to $900. "Sculpture and original paintings are expensive and will only appeal to a small demographic," continued Perry.

Sculptor Mark Patrick has been a biker all his life and began sculpting motorcycles in bronze and resin 15 years ago. "If it is the right piece for the right person, people will pay $10,000 to $20,000," he said. "But people typically are willing to pay between $250 to $500."